The mission of the Queer Youth Leadership Awards (QYLA) is to improve the lives of LGBTIQ youth by increasing the positive awareness of queer youth leadership, and increasing safe and welcoming environments in home, school, and community. Learn more QYLA.org 2020 QYLA Nominees Queer Youth Leadership Award, Nominees Abby Sotelo, New Brighton Middle School Student Anthony Flores, Watsonville High School Student Caleb Lennon, Cypress High School Student Camila Snyder-Alaniz & Matthew Domenichelli, Santa Cruz High School … [Read more...]
The MAH Presents – Queer Santa Cruz: Stories of the LGBTQ+ Community in Santa Cruz County
Co-created alongside the Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County the stories, collections, and materials found within document important relationship development and poignant change dating back to the first Santa Cruz Pride Parade in 1975. Browse archival photographs, videos, personal stories, flyers, and more as local trailblazers take you through pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history. Visit santacruzmah.org to view the exhibit … [Read more...]
The Epicenter Presents: “Sharing Circle” Thursday’s @ 7pm
The current shelter-in-place order has put all public gatherings on hold, and for some community members that order has taken away access to LGBTQ+ safe spaces like The Epicenter. QTYC and Our Gente would like to provide a digital safe space on Zoom for community members to be able to share how they're doing and check in with each other in a safe and accepting environment! Developed from the concept of peer social support, our Sharing Circle is designed to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves candidly about identity, … [Read more...]
Diversity Center Youth Program May 2020 Weekly Virtual Events
Monday Movies @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm: Streaming a different LGBTQ+ themed movie or show every week! Life Skills Tuesdays @ 4 pm - 6 pm: We're learning something new every week. From budgeting and resume building to bullet journals and bike mechanics, prepare to be the most knowledgeable of your friends! 4 pm - 6 pm Wednesday Cooking Show @ 4 pm - 6 pm: Join us on Instagram and YouTube as we Livestream a cooking show, with new recipes every week. If you'd like to host one, just contact us! Feel free to cook along or just watch, and to bring … [Read more...]
TrevorSpace – Start meeting LGBTQ friends today!
TrevorSpace is an affirming international community for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24. Sign up and start a conversation now by visiting trevorspace.org … [Read more...]
Q Chat Space: A Community for LGBTQ+ Teens (Ages 13 – 19)
It's Safe We work to keep the trolls out. We all agree on the rules of engagement and take action if things ever get out of hand. Our trained facilitators are there to guide group conversations and help if anything comes up. It's Accepting Who belongs here? Are you LGBTQ+ or questioning? Between the ages of 13 and 19? This is a place you can be yourself and be accepted wherever you are in your life & identity. Inclusion is our motto. First time user? qchatspace.org/Getting-Started Interested in the groups they … [Read more...]
GSA Network: Statewide Youth Meetup on Zoom!
The GSA Network's goal is to provide safe spaces online for our students! This is a time for Queer & Trans youth to hangout, connect, go over some wellness tips, and learn new skills during the quarantine and school closures. When: Every Thursday @ 3pm - 4:30pm *Advisors are welcomed to join the call and participate in separate discussions* Please reach out to Cielo Flores with any questions! Stay safe! Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network Direct: 415.375.4074 Phone: 415.552.4229 | … [Read more...]
Our Gente: Weekly Sharing Circle on Zoom
The current shelter-in-place order has put all public gatherings on hold, and for some community members that order has taken away access to LGBTQ+ safe spaces like The Epicenter. QTYC and Our Gente would like to provide a digital safe space on Zoom for community members to be able to share how they're doing and check in with each other in a safe and accepting environment! Developed from the concept of peer social support, our Sharing Circle is designed to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to express themselves candidly about identity, … [Read more...]
The Diversity Center’s “Queer Youth Meetup” and “Gender Expansive Youth Group” Go Virtual
The Diversity Center youth groups will still be meeting as usual, but have moved to Discord instead of in person. Simply contact the facilitators for the groups you want to join and get an invitation. Weekly Schedule Watsonville Queer Youth Meetup - Every Friday @ 3:30pm - 6pm Santa Cruz Queer Youth Meetup - Every Saturday @ 1pm - 3:30pm Gender Expansive Youth Meetup - Every Saturday @ 4pm - 5:30pm For youth programming, contact Ashlyn at youth@diversitycenter.org or @diversity.youth For gender expansive youth programming, contact … [Read more...]
Gender Spectrum: Pre-Teen and Teen Online Discussion Groups
Pre-Teen - The group is intended from 11-12 year olds to have a supportive space to meet other kids in a low pressure environment. In the past we've talked about gender, friends, family, favorite tv shows and even sometimes meet other's pets! All groups are facilitated by trained volunteers or staff. Sign up here! Teens - Gender Spectrum's Online Teen Groups are a way to meet others navigating their gender in a relaxed space! Fill out this form to sign up for our teen group open to youth 13-19 years old. … [Read more...]